It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each week they pick a theme and bloggers join in and link up. This year instead of specific themes, they are letting us be creative with broad themes for each week of the month. The fourth Friday of the month is now a “Free” post so we can pick whatever we want for the five.
I have been traveling up a storm in the last month. In one month, I went to Los Angeles for a week, San Francisco and Las Vegas for nearly a week, overnight to St. Louis and finally to Carlsbad and San Francisco for five days. In my travels, I spoke to a bunch of people about how I keep fit when traveling. Since it is top of mind, here are my “Top 5 Ways to Stay Fit on The Road.”
1. Plan Ahead – Do some research before your trip. Like what? Plan your flights or travel so that you don’t have to be stressed about being on time. Learn about the destination and see if you can walk to the places you need to go, etc. Pick a hotel with a gym or where you can walk to your meetings. Look for healthy eating choices. See if any of your colleagues like to run and plan a route (or ask at the hotel for maps). Pack some on the go meals and snacks (see # 2).
2. Always Bring Snacks… Or Even Full Meals – Anyone who has worked with me, or traveled anywhere with me for any amount of time, knows I ALWAYS have snacks… and gum. One of my biggest downfalls for healthy eating is scarfing down everything in sight because I wait too long to eat. Also, airports and rest stops can be food deserts, though that is getting better in some places. I always bring nuts, dried fruit and a variety of raw food/super healthy energy bars. (Need energy bar ideas? Check out my past giveaways for tons of great options!) I also have started bringing jerky and other high protein options. If I have to travel in the morning, I love Vigilant Eats cereal (just add water – hot or cold for a nutritious breakfast). I bring fresh fruit when I can, too. At airports, and in life, you never know what you are going to get, so bring your own! Healthy choices are a huge part of staying fit. I also try to make smart choices while eating out, have only one alcoholic drink at dinners (if others are drinking – if not I stick to water) and skip dessert unless it is super special.
3. Bring Workout Clothes… and Use Them – I always pack workout clothes and sneakers for overnight trips. Even if I only have 10 extra minutes, I try to workout. Whether it is with my J & J 7 Minute Workout App or just doing some basic core moves. Why? When I started traveling for my first “real” job, I gained a ton of weight and felt terrible because I never had “enough” time. Now I know that 10 or 20 minutes is better than nothing. I have even gone out to run one mile or walked hotel corridors or stairs for 15 minutes. When traveling, anything is better than nothing!
4. Walk or Just Move! – When possible, I try to get a hotel in walking distance from my meetings so that I can walk. I take the stairs. I walk around airports and lobbies when I am waiting. I try to take walk breaks or walking meetings if folks are game. This may seem a bit nutty, but it really helps! On days when I have limited or no exercise, I still try to get my 10,000 + steps. Wear a Fitbit or tracker – it is a great motivator and even a conversation starter. So many of my colleagues and customers have chatted with me about my FitBit Charge and number of steps, etc.
5. Remember…There’s an App for That – Take advantage of technology. Try the 7 Minute Workout app or one or several routines from Hot 5 for a quick workout that you can do in your hotel room or anywhere. Check a host of fitness tracker apps like Strava and Nike+ or if you have time check in at Nike Run Club or November Project to find other runners near you. There are tons of good ones. There are many great lists of apps to try on the road. What are your faves?
Need more tips? See my Top 10 Ways to Stay Healthy and Sane on The Road (some repeats and 5 new ones ;)) which also has some great links to other resources for healthy travel.
What are your tips and tricks for staying fit when you travel? Please leave them in the comments.
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways and this week’s Wednesday Giveaway Round Up Link Up!